An Investigation of Physical Activity in Women and Barriers to Physical Activity

Background: Physical activity is one of the fundamental steps that enable us to feel psychologically and physically good in all periods of our life. The importance of physical activity in decreasing anxiety and depression and increasing quality of life as well as rehabilitation has also been highlighted.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate physical activity in women and barriers to physical activity (BPA).

Methods: This study used an analytical cross-sectional design. It was conducted with women who were registered in the Family Health Centers of a city located in the eastern part of Türkiye between May and September 2021. The target population of the study was women who were registered in these units and met the research criteria. The sample size was calculated using the sampling method with an unknown population, which indicated 384 individuals. The study included 830 women who agreed to participate in the study. Random sampling and snowball sampling methods were utilized as the sampling methods. Data were collected through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the BPA Scale. Data were analyzed using arithmetic means, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis coefficients, t-test in independent groups, multiple regression analysis, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Welch ANOVA when group variances were not homogeneous, and Bonferroni and X2 tests for post hoc analyses.

Results: Of all the participating women, 48% reported a low-level activity, 42.7% reported a medium-level activity, and 9.3% reported a high-level activity. The study showed that physical activity levels were low in those who did not do physical activities, smoked, and did not
do regular housework weekly (P < 0.05). BPA scores were significantly higher in those who were obese, had a primary school education level, were married, did not work, did not have social security, had income less than expenses, did not do physical activity, smoked, and had
extended family (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: This study found women’s physical activity levels low and BPA level high. Education and consultancy services to form healthy lifestyle behaviors should be planned, and women’s active life should be enhanced by providing them with accessible and safe environments appropriate to their involvement in physical activity.